Ushering in a new age for the minicar, "i" was developed as an innovative Premium Small Car that successfully overcomes the tradeoffs traditionally associated with the category: design and comfortable interior space; comfortable interior space and impact safety. Mitsubishi Motors has overcome these challenges by developing a new and innovative rear-midship layout that mounts the engine forward of the rear axle line and spawns three new "innovations" within the category's dimensional constraints: futuristic and uptown styling; agile handling and a comfortable ride; and, excellent multidirectional impact safety.

Powered by a new lightweight and compact 3-cylinder MIVEC*1 turbocharged engine that uses an aluminum cylinder block, "i" earns a 3-star rating for emission levels that are 50% lower than required by Japanese 2005 Emission Regulations and returns fuel consumption that meets Japanese 2010 fuel economy requirements.

"i" also offers a comfortable interior environment. "i"applies Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified seat fabric, a first among Japanese automakers. Improvement of materials, design and manufacturing processes for interior trim and parts and the use of an deodorant rooflining have reduced volatile organic compounds (VOC) to a level that meets JAMA's voluntary guidelines to reduce cabin VOC concentration levels 15 months before it's the guidelines' introduction.